(JUBA) – Media stakeholders in South Sudan have renewed calls for practical measures to strengthen the sustainability and independence of the country’s media sector.
The discussions took place at Crown Hotel in Juba during a dialogue organised by the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, AMDISS, with support from Norwegian People’s Aid on Wednesday.
The forum followed concerns raised by media managers during the Media Leadership Forum held on 15 April.
Representatives from media institutions and regulatory bodies discussed challenges facing independent media houses amid difficult economic conditions.
Key issues included media sustainability, regulatory compliance, frequency and licensing costs, as well as the financial capacity of local media outlets to meet transport and journalist welfare expenses ahead of the general elections, particularly during state rallies.
Mr Dada Isaac Lemi represented the Director-General of the National Communication Authority, NCA, at the forum.
The NCA said it is engaging stakeholders on content monetization and regulatory alignment as part of efforts to support sustainable media operations.
A panel discussion on the future of South Sudan’s media also highlighted private-sector advertising, market expansion, transparency and local investment as possible ways of reducing dependence on donor funding.
Participants further called for media training centres and media villages to strengthen professionalism in the sector.
The NCA encouraged media houses, journalists and practitioners to obtain the required licenses and accreditations to support access to information across the country.
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